Cincinnati Opts to Postpone Basketball Contest in 2000-01 Season

PHILADELPHIA - The 2000-01 Temple University men's basketball schedule

was altered today, when non-conference rival Cincinnati opted to

postpone it's intended visit to Philadelphia in order to correct an

error in scheduling. The contest had been scheduled for January 20, 2001

as a national telecast for ABC.

"Our team and our fans will be disappointed by this development," said

Temple University Director of Athletics Dave O'Brien. "We are working

diligently to find a replacement on our schedule, but it is a difficult

proposition at this late date."

Temple has been assured that Cincinnati will meet its obligation to

play at The Liacouras Center in the 2001-02 season. As compensation to

Temple University, Cincinnati will return to Philadelphia for a second

appearance in 2002-03.Additionally, the University of Cincinnati will

reimburse Temple for costs and losses incurred with this cancellation.

According to Cincinnati Director of Athletics Bob Goin, the Bearcats

took this action due to an error in interpretation over how the team's

participation in the Puerto Rico Holiday Classic would count in regard

to the NCAA rule for allowable number of contests. When agreement for

Cincinnati's participation in the tournament was originally reached, all

games played in such tournaments outside the continental United States

were exempt. The current rule counts the tournament as one of the

maximum allowable 28 games for NCAA Division I programs.

"Despite this unfortunate development, we are looking forward to

continuing a strong rivalry and exciting series of basketball contests

between our two Universities," added O'Brien.

In a series dating to the 1957-58 season, Temple and Cincinnati have

met 19 times, with the Bearcats holding a 13-6 advantage in wins.

However, the Owls have defeated the Bearcats in the last three meetings,

including a 64-54 decision in the second round of the 1999 NCAA

Tournament and a resounding 77-69 win over the then-No. 1 ranked and

undefeated Bearcats in Cincinnati on February 20, 2000.

Temple University Athletics